BYU Sends 19 Athletes to NCAA Championships, Highlighting Star Runner Jane Hedengren

Brigham Young University (BYU) is set to showcase its track and field talent at the upcoming NCAA Championships, with 19 athletes qualifying for the prestigious event. The championships will take place at the University of Oregon, where athletes will compete over various days, with men’s events on Wednesday and Friday, and women’s events on Thursday and Saturday.

Among the notable competitors is Jane Hedengren, a freshman from Timpview High School in Utah, who has gained recognition as a formidable force in distance running. BYU's track and field director, Ed Eyestone, praised Hedengren, stating, “Jane is a one-woman wrecking crew. You can never say anyone is a lock, but it’s going to be difficult to beat her.” Hedengren enters the championships with the fastest times in the nation for both the 5,000 and 10,000-meter events.

In addition to Hedengren, junior Carter Cutting is also a standout competitor, returning as the defending champion in the indoor mile. He will face a challenging field in the 1,500-meter event, where his time of 3:35.88 places him 11th overall. Notably, teammate Tayvon Kitchen, a freshman from Oregon, has secured the fifth-fastest time in the 5,000 meters nationally.

The women’s team has a strong chance to make a mark, potentially placing in the top eight, largely due to Hedengren's expected contributions. The squad includes various athletes capable of scoring points, such as All-American Ben Barton, who ranks fourth in the decathlon and will also participate in the 4x400 relay alongside teammates Jonah Heimuli, Jayden Jesse, and Josh Taylor.

As the NCAA Championships draw closer, it’s worth noting the increased competition level due to the influx of international athletes and the challenging qualifying standards. BYU’s impressive roster features nine men and ten women, showcasing the university's strength in both distance and sprint events for the first time in decades.